Staff profile

Maria Orellana Condeminas


she/her

Senior Lecturer in Midwifery - Health, Psychology and Social Care

University of Derby academic Maria Orellana

Email

m.orellanacondeminas@derby.ac.uk

About

I am a senior lecturer in midwifery at the University of Derby. I have experience in academic settings as well as management in the NHS. My role as a Senior Lecturer includes programme leadership for the BSc (Hons) Midwifery, Module design and module leadership. I have also lead the recent curriculum development for the Apprenticeship Midwifery Degree at the University of Derby.

Additionally, I provide support to students enrolled on both BSc and MSc Midwifery. I am also the link lecturer for students who are placed at UHDB.

I have extensive experience as a clinical midwife in all settings specializing in community care and management of community midwifery teams. I keep my clinical knowledge up-to-date by working at a local NHS maternity unit.

Teaching responsibilities

Professional interests

My professional interests as a midwife are rooted in a deep commitment to advancing safe, compassionate, and autonomous care across community settings. I am particularly passionate about homebirth and the empowerment it offers families to experience childbirth in a familiar, intimate environment. I strive to provide evidence-based support that balances clinical safety with respect for personal choice, recognising the profound impact of physiological birth in shaping maternal and infant wellbeing.

Community midwifery lies at the heart of my practice ethos. I believe in building trusting, long-term relationships with families, especially those in underserved populations, to promote continuity of care and health equity. Through active engagement and advocacy, I aim to support people across the childbearing continuum while honouring diverse cultural perspectives and individual needs.

An essential component of my professional growth has been the integration of simulation into midwifery education and practice. High-fidelity simulations not only enhance the preparedness of practitioners but also create reflective, supportive learning environments where clinical judgement and decision-making can be refined. I am keen to contribute to innovative simulation programs that build confidence and competence, particularly in the management of obstetric emergencies.

My interest in obstetric emergencies stems from a desire to improve outcomes in high-risk scenarios without compromising dignity or care standards. I value interdisciplinary teamwork and clear communication under pressure, and continually pursue training that sharpens my ability to respond swiftly and effectively while maintaining a calm, reassuring presence.

Leadership is another cornerstone of my midwifery journey. I am dedicated to fostering inclusive, forward-thinking teams that prioritise safety, shared learning, and compassionate care. Whether mentoring students, contributing to service development, or advocating for systemic change, I approach leadership with humility, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

Research interests

My research interest centres on supporting clinicians, particularly midwives, as they transition into roles within higher education. This focus arises from the recognition that clinical expertise alone does not always translate seamlessly into academic competence.

I aim to explore the educational frameworks, mentorship models, and identity shifts required to empower experienced practitioners to become confident educators. By examining the barriers and enablers in this professional evolution, my work seeks to enhance recruitment, retention, and pedagogical effectiveness within midwifery education, ultimately contributing to a more robust academic workforce and improved student learning experiences.

Membership of professional bodies

Qualifications

Experience in industry

With over 23 years of dedicated service within the NHS, I have cultivated a deep and comprehensive understanding of midwifery practice, encompassing all facets of maternity care, from hospital-based services to community outreach and senior management roles. My career began in acute maternity units, where I provided antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care to women with diverse clinical and cultural needs. I developed strong clinical expertise in high-risk and low-risk obstetric settings, while ensuring a woman-centred approach that respected individual birth choices and safeguarded wellbeing.

Over the years, I expanded into community midwifery, supporting women in their homes and at local clinics, delivering continuity of care through case-loading models and fostering trust through consistent, compassionate support. My work in public health promotion, especially with vulnerable and underserved populations, has been instrumental in improving maternal outcomes and building collaborative networks with allied health and social care teams.

As I progressed into leadership and management roles, I oversaw clinical governance, policy implementation, and quality improvement initiatives, mentoring junior staff and steering multi-disciplinary teams. I played a pivotal role in workforce planning, risk management, and the integration of updated national guidelines to ensure safe, efficient, and equitable maternity services. I continue to champion innovation and service user engagement, striving to enhance patient experience and shape forward-thinking maternity care across the NHS.

International experience

With a strong foundation in healthcare, I began my professional journey by completing a Nursing Diploma in Spain, where I gained a solid clinical education rooted in compassionate patient care and community health. Seeking broader experience, I moved to the United Kingdom and began practicing as a nurse, deepening my understanding of diverse healthcare settings and adapting to new challenges with resilience and empathy.

In 2001, I expanded my expertise by studying Midwifery in the UK, adding a crucial dimension to my clinical skill set and opening doors to one of the most rewarding fields in healthcare. This dual qualification reflects my dedication to women's health, family support, and holistic care. My experience across borders has shaped me into a dynamic healthcare professional with a global perspective and a deep commitment to continuous learning.

Additional interests and activities

I find joy and balance through a range of personal interests that support both physical wellness and inner peace. Regular visits to the gym are part of my commitment to a healthy lifestyle, helping me build strength, focus, and resilience. I also deeply value time spent walking in nature, where the rhythm of the outdoors offers a space for clarity and calm, whether it's quiet woodland paths or coastal horizons.

Exploring spiritual therapies has been another meaningful part of my personal journey, enriching my understanding of self-awareness and holistic wellbeing. These practices offer both reflection and renewal, allowing me to stay grounded in today’s fast-paced world.

Music and podcasts round out my daily routine, providing inspiration, education, and entertainment.